Michigan Venue Opens Free Solar EV Chargers for All

When Steve Pierce's neighbors knocked on his door during a 2023 power outage, desperate to charge their phones, his heart sank. His Ypsilanti Performance Space had solar panels, but like most solar systems, they shut down when the grid goes dark.

That moment changed everything. Pierce decided his music venue could be more than just a place for concerts.

The YPSI recently opened four solar-powered electric vehicle chargers in its parking lot, free for anyone to use 24/7. Unlike typical chargers, these standalone units keep working during blackouts, powered by their own batteries and solar panels.

"We're a music place trying to restore an old building," Pierce says. "But we're also in the neighborhood, and we want to help."

The chargers arrived through a $500,000 Michigan Public Service Commission grant that also funded electrical upgrades and parking lot repairs. Pierce credits a network of local nonprofits and community leaders who helped navigate the complex funding process.

Since January, three to four people use the chargers daily. Many are renters who park on the street without access to garages or electrical outlets.

"50 to 60% of the housing around here is rental," Pierce explains. "People park on the street. They don't have garages or electrical capacity. This fills a real gap."

The chargers handle more than just cars. Electric bikes, scooters, and wheelchairs can plug in too. Emergency vehicles like ambulances and buses could tap the power during crises.

During a recent neighborhood event, a DJ unknowingly powered an entire sound system using the solar chargers. No gas generator needed, just quiet, clean energy keeping the music playing.

The Ripple Effect

The project builds on eight years of sustainability work at The YPSI. In 2018, Pierce installed traditional solar panels with help from SolarYpsi, a local grassroots organization. Those panels slashed the venue's monthly electric bill from $600 to just $60, keeping ticket prices affordable.

That same collaborative spirit powered the charging station project. SolarYpsi, which has also helped install panels at Ypsilanti City Hall and the Farmers Market, connected Pierce with grant opportunities and technical support.

The chargers demonstrate how community venues can evolve beyond their primary purpose. The YPSI now hosts concerts, supports sustainable transportation, provides emergency backup power, and helps neighbors charge their devices during the next outage.

"This city has always adapted," Pierce says. "From horses to cars, and now to electric, the historic district understood that. The city understood that. Everyone showed up and said, 'This matters.'"

Pierce doesn't take credit for the achievement alone, pointing instead to the web of supporters who made it possible. For renters and neighbors without charging options, that collaborative spirit now powers their daily commutes.